‘You’re probably still too close’: Yellowstone tourist thought he was far away from an agitated bison that entered a campsite, then it charged

A man was seriously injured Friday evening after being thrown eight feet into the air by an angry bull bison in Yellowstone National Park. It’s a terrifying reminder of how quickly these massive animals can turn from peaceful grazers into a major threat. According to Cowboy State Daily, the incident occurred at the Bridge Bay Campground, located south of Fishing Bridge. 

Mike MacLeod, a professional photographer based in Bozeman, Montana, reportedly witnessed the event firsthand. He had been filming the bull and captured the entire event on video. He told the outlet that the victim was walking with his grandson, about 100 yards away from the bison, when it decided to make them the targets of its aggression. 

Per the outlet, the bison suddenly became agitated after a white pickup truck drove by. It began charging at the vehicle, and when the truck kept moving, the bison turned its attention to the two people hiding in the trees. Despite their attempts to escape, the bison caught the grandfather, hooking him with its left horn and tossing him into the air.

MacLeod noted that the animal was already restless

MacLeod, who has experience as a combat photographer in the Army, was reportedly originally filming the bison after his wife noticed it entering the campground. He noted to the outlet that the animal seemed to have a chip on its humped shoulder from the moment it arrived. 

“I was just trying to get some dramatic footage of that bison having a fit,” he told Cowboy State Daily. “It’s changed my idea of what to expect from these guys at this time of year, because I would not have predicted that happening.”

Per CNN, the danger here is very real because an adult male bison can weigh between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds. When you combine that bulk with their ability to hit speeds of at least 30 mph, it can be a recipe for disaster. Experts from the National Park Service and other wildlife organizations emphasize that these animals are wild, and they will defend themselves if they feel pushed or intruded upon. This is the same concern that had experts warning tourists away from Neil the seal.

If you’re ever out in the wilderness, CNN reports that you need to watch for specific warning signs that a bison is feeling threatened. They will often raise their tails straight up, bob or shake their heads, or paw the ground. If an animal stops what it’s doing to stare at you, that’s a clear signal that you’re too close. In fact, as one Redditor pointed out, “If you can measure the distance yourself, you’re probably still too close.”

Other reported red flags include head swaying, bellowing, or the animal turning its back to you while raising its tail. If you notice these behaviors, you should back away immediately. In fact, with any wild animal, you need to be wary of their natural behavior patterns. Recently, an eight-foot alligator clamped down on the arm of a boy who was fishing in Florida. However, in trying to save him, his father only made it worse, as it prompted the reptile to roll.

CNN noted that the time of year also plays a huge role in how these animals behave. The annual bison rut, which lasts from June to September, is a period where bulls surge with energy and aggression as they compete for dominance and females. This makes them significantly more unpredictable than usual. 

MacLeod told Cowboy State Daily that he didn’t see anyone acting recklessly during the incident. He noted that people were being respectful and keeping their distance, but the bison was clearly on a warpath.

After the grandfather was tossed, MacLeod reportedly realized the situation was dire. He stopped filming and ran toward the bison, yelling and trying to appear as big and intimidating as possible to draw its attention away from the injured man. A few other observers followed his lead, which finally caused the bison to run off. 

Emergency personnel arrived shortly after to assist the victim, who was in significant pain from the impact. While he didn’t have any obvious external bleeding, the grandson later indicated that his grandfather sustained significant injuries.